MEET OUR TEAM:

Rosa Close, President

Rosa  is the AFS Conference and Cruelty Free Fashion Show Chair/Organizer; founder of the Anti-Fur Society of the Misha Foundation, a 501 ( c) 4 organization, and now the founder and president of the Fur Free Society, a 501 (c) 3 organization.  Her mission is to end the abuse and exploitation of fur bearing animals worldwide. The Anti-Fur Society was started in 2004 to help revive anti-fur activism as fur was making a comeback. The AFS has since been striving to reach animal rights activists worldwide in order to form a chain of activists to help educate the public, with the goal of making fur consumption not profitable or worthwhile for the fur industry.  Rosa is the author of the children’s book, "How the Little Fox Saved Her Coat", which in addition to being a charming children’s story, offers an anti-fur/anti-hunting message as well as an instructive lesson in leadership for children. Additionally, Rosa has been effectively working with animal rights groups in China to help promote the rejection of fur inside of China. She has also been involved in the US campaigns against horse slaughter and destruction of the US wild horses. LittleFoxBook.com   AntiFurSociety.org   People4ChineseAnimals    AFSConference

Ryle Close, Vice President & Treasurer

Ryle  is a retired attorney who specialized in patents & trademarks.  He retired about the same time when Rosa began her animal advocacy in 2004, and has supported her efforts in all aspects of her work, including financially, and at her events.  Because of his excellent ability to handle small business accounts, he will be the most qualified to be the treasurer and vice president of the newly formed organization, not only because of his expertise but also because of his interest in the success of this non-profit organization.

Sharon Methvins, Phd

Director of Cat spay/neuter program in China

Dr. Sharon Methvin is a biocultural anthropologist who has taught anthropology and sociology at university or professional level since 1988. Among her research, she studies the treatment of animals by humans, and as a result, exposes her students to a variety of animal rights related matters. In 2007-2008, Dr. Methvin was invited to teach academic research and writing at the prestigious Graduate Division of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in Beijing, China. It was during this time that her research and activism took her into the animal markets of China, where she formed close partnerships with Chinese activists. Dr. Methvin now oversees TNR (trap/neuter/return) programs throughout China, which are designed to control stray cat and dog populations, and encourage animal compassion in a country that still largely categorizes animals as non-sentient beings. Her concern for the rights of animals has also resulted in her lending her expertise as a consultant on multiple animal warfare issues, and she regularly provides expert testimonies to government agencies regarding both environmental and animal rights based issues. Dr Methvin’s extensive research and field work have given rise to more than 25 professional papers, and contributions to eight different published books. The highlight of her research includes the award-winning book: Women’s Choices and the Risk of Poverty: Case Studies of Breaking the Cycle, which earned her a human rights award in 1997.

Kimberly Moore, Esq, Director of Public Relations

Kimberly Moore is a senior attorney at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP in Washington, D.C., where she is a nationally recognized tax attorney, and she is the President/CEO of Greenbrier Residential Properties I and II, a real estate development company. Kimberly is also an expert on laws governing the treatment and welfare of animals and a dedicated animal rights advocate who is committed to advancing animal welfare for all animals, including fur-bearing animals. Kimberly has represented and worked with organizations, including rescue groups, animal sanctuaries and organizations working to promote the interests of animals, on strategic, organizational and fundraising matters. Kimberly will be presenting two papers at the Fourth Annual Oxford University Animal Ethics Summer School (The Ethics of Fur) on behalf of the Fur Free Society, Inc. involving (i) claims by the fur industry that fur is “green” and (ii) advertising by the fur industry targeting children as future consumers.

NOTE: We are a 100% volunteer based organization, and we are currently selecting board members and other volunteers.

Fur Free Society

P.O. Box 40

Hockessin, DE 19707

Fax: 410-339-5105